Live54218 column: Avoid 'summer slide' for kids on vacation

Jun. 7, 2014

Family bike rides are one way to prevent 'summer slide.' / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Written by

Melinda Morella

For Press-Gazette Media

June “Summer Slide” Family Challenge

Try some or all of the ideas below to keep kids learning, active and healthy this summer. • Walk or bike to your neighborhood park. • Walk or bike to the nearest library and check out books. • Visit a farmers market and meet a local farmer. Try a new fruit or vegetable! • Look for new recipes using summer produce and prepare a meal together. • During down-time, read books or do art projects instead of sitting in front of a screen.

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Summer break has finally arrived, and while kids may be singing “School’s Out for Summer,” many parents are left wondering “OK, now what?” As a former teacher, I remember parents asking me, “What are some ways to keep my child busy during the summer?”

The real issue I found myself addressing was — how to prevent the “summer slide.”

While summer vacation is a time for fun in the sun and relaxation, it is also a time when summer learning loss can occur. It can be described as a loss in academic skills and knowledge as a child’s young mind sits idle for three months.Children who do not engage in educational activities throughout the summer can lose about two months of reading achievement. And according to a report by the National Summer Learning Association, they can lose more than academic knowledge over the summer — many children, especially those at high risk for obesity, gain weight more rapidly when they are on summer break.

They can lose more than academic knowledge over the summer — many children, especially those at high risk for obesity, gain weight more rapidly when they are on summer break.

Parents and families can help prevent the summer slide without forcing children to engage in traditional school-like activities. Elective summer school and summer camps provide fun programming that allows kids to explore areas that interest them while stimulating their academic development.

Teach healthy eating habits

In the summertime many children rely on a babysitter or fend for themselves when it comes to snacks and meals. Try to stock the fridge with fresh fruits and veggies already washed and cut up so they are a quick and easy snack.

Cooking with kids is also a great way to teach proper nutrition, plus it integrates skills like math, reading and following directions. Try letting your child help design the menu and put together your family’s favorite summer recipes in a cookbook. Parents can get ideas for tasty and nutritious meals on a variety of websites. Check out kidshealth.org for some great ideas.

Visiting a summer farmers market or starting a small garden are also great ways to help teach healthy eating habits. When kids learn where their food comes from and help to pick it out they are more likely to try new and healthy foods.

Active and unstructured play

Keeping kids physically active is a great way to help them keep their minds sharp.

Physical activity has positive effects on academic achievement, including increased concentration, improved test scores and reduced disruptive behavior, notes an article from the Journal of School Health.

Summer is a great time for families to incorporate more physical activity into their daily routines.

Take a walk after dinner or play outside with kids to role model healthy behaviors.

Parents can also encourage children to get active and play outside by limiting screen time and allowing children time for unstructured play, or time when children create their own activities without adult guidance.